The Duke

Starred review from December 19, 2016
Byrne’s fourth Victorian Rebels novel (after The Highlander), set in late 19th-century England, overflows with passion and mystery as one woman tries to keep her past hidden. Imogen Pritchard works as a nurse by day and a barmaid at night. Despite her protestations, the owner of the bar prostitutes her to the Duke of Trenwyth, Collin Talmage, for a large sum. When the battle-scarred duke is her patient a year later, he fails to recognize her; when Imogen marries an elderly peer and he leaves her a wealthy widow, the duke (who is now her neighbor) only sees the deplorable stream of poor and needy people she invites into her home. But when he learns that someone has threatened Imogen, Collin feels obligated to protect her. He is surprised by his increasing interest in her given his initial dislike. As his attraction and admiration grow, Imogen tries to keep him at arm’s length, even though she has never forgotten the night they spent together and wishes there could be another. Byrne’s complex characterizations make her characters believable and real in this page-turning novel full of historical details and sensuous romance. Agent: Christine Witthohn, Book Cents.

Derek Perkins is a prolific and delightful narrator and a frequent Earphones Award winner for a reason--he, as he has said, has a "penchant for language." This is on full display in Book 4 of the Victorian Rebels series. The Duke of Trewyth, a British spy and wounded war hero, spends one unforgettable night with Imogen Pritchard, a beautiful nurse who, in disguise, must work off her father's gambling debts in a tavern as a serving wench. Fate keeps the two star-crossed lovers apart and then brings them back together--but will the Duke recognize the woman he can't forget? Perkins has a facility with all strata of British accents. He gives Imogen just the right soft tones and the Duke just the right bluster and bravado. This is an engaging listen, presented by a master storyteller. A.C.P. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine